Mark Sak: Fisherman, Family Man, & (Now) Hall-of-Famer.
In a sport full of Marks and Mikes, there is only one Sak…
Long ago when I was young on Facebook, I would add anybody who was an angler. There was this guy I became friends with online who was an angler that was somewhat local. He was a walleye nut, and an outdoor writer for Woods-N-Water, a popular statewide publication in Michigan. I could tell that this guy was a character. A fish-catcher and (sometimes) smarty-pants, through and through. That man was the one and only Mark Sak.
The more I got into outdoor writing and meeting people across the industry, I learned more about this man. He was not a know-it-all by any means, but a ‘been there, done that, and here are five thoughts I have about (subject)’. Mark Sak sought out to share his experiences and knowledge to teach others. I met him the first time in 2018 at a Michigan Outdoor Writers Conference. There was something to his character that a man could respect. He was bold and sound in his beliefs. There was a speaker at this conference who was a higher-up from the Michigan DNR, and Mark Sak was not afraid to ask the real questions or hold back.
From Imlay City, MI, Mark Sak grew up on a dairy farm and had a love for the outdoors. When you sit down and talk to him, give it a couple of moments until he begins to mention hunting as a child with his dad, or memories from when he started fishing at the young age of 7. He would grow up as a local standout football player, earning a position at Central Michigan University. He would later go on to work in mental health care at a hospital where he would help people in need. There are many people who have been impacted by the care and hope he shared with them in treatment to create and sustain some of the greatest life changes. Since retiring in 2018, Mark focuses on his lifetime promotion- the title of grandpa.
Mark has a long reputation within competitive walleye fishing. Having fished in the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail, Michigan Walleye Tour, and FLW circuit, his understanding of these fish is rich in experience from across the United States and Canada. Mark is passionate about the outdoors, especially with walleye fishing Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and his beloved Saginaw Bay. Throughout his touring career, he qualified for six Michigan Walleye Tour Championships and 2 Professional Walleye Trail Championships. His heaviest tournament bag weighed 132.89 pounds after three days of competition.
In outdoor media, he has been a writer for over 30 years and has been featured multiple times on television and radio. As a communicator, Mark was able to meet people where they are in understanding topics of fishing, hunting, or life in general. A “casual knowledge dropper” if you will.
When it comes to being a leader, Mark Sak served as the President of the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA). During his time, he was instrumental in founding the Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame at Jay’s and Webber Wildlife Education Center in Clare, Michigan.
Not everybody has leadership qualities or can define what a true leader actually is, but many will agree that he fits the description.
To ensure protection of the future of our resources, Sak is a vocal advocate for Michigan’s fisheries, notably fighting against commercial netting of game fish. He understands the future of the sport needs not only fish to be caught, but also anglers. To support further youth engagement, he was heavily involved in the Salvation Army Outdoor (SAO) program collaboratively with Safari Club SE Bowhunters from 2004-2012. Their efforts helped children attend a two week camping trip and introduced them to the outdoors in hunting and fishing.
Mark Sak was named as a Field and Stream Hero of Conservation in 2008 for his efforts in leading the change in habitat preservation with his local Pheasants Forever chapter. More than 50,000 acres of nesting cover and buffer strips were planted to prevent silt run-off.
In 2017, Mark Sak was given the Papa Bear award from the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) in recognition of his lifetime achievement and excellency in his craft.
For him to deserve this honor is only right. Through his commitment to the sport, the community, and the future, he will provide good company amongst the rest of the greatest to ever pick up a fishing rod.
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is located in Hayward, Wisconsin. It serves as a shrine for angling history, famously marked by a gigantic, five-story leaping muskie visitors can actually walk through. Each year, the Hall honors a select group of inductees who have shaped the soul and integrity of the sport.
Mark Sak will be officially entered in the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a 2026 inductee on March 13th in an induction ceremony at the Ultimate Sports Show at the Devos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It will be at the Hog Trough tank, starting at 6pm.
It truly is an honor to call him a friend and mentor. Mark, I speak for many people when I say this- THANK YOU. The sport and more importantly, the world, is a better place because of your passion for others and the outdoors. For the rest of my life, whenever I see a Yar-Craft or a Yamaha outboard, I think of you. Congratulations on this lifetime achievement. It truly is deserved.